Public Accountants, or CPAs, are professionals who have proven through higher education, the passing of a 4-part exam, and the completion of a designated number of experience hours that they are fully competent to practice public accounting. The CPA designation is required for specific types of accounting work, including preparing reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Most large corporations, public institutions and small businesses turn over their complex financial matters to CPAs. It is no small matter to become a CPA; but those who go the extra mile to obtain this respected designation are rewarded with opportunities for top-tier jobs, higher salaries and easier transitions into management and executive positions. Additional requirements continue to evolve for future CPAs; and accountants should consider graduate coursework or a master's degree in accounting to join this elite group of individuals.
